As the summer break approaches, I find myself caught between the excitement of potential family adventures (Berry picking! Road trips! Pool days!) and the reality of extended time together, which can often lead to some inevitable friction. As a parent who works from home, the challenge of balancing my job with having kids at home adds another layer of complexity.
While it can be refreshing to ditch early mornings, lunch preparations, and homework for a while, this kind of freedom can feel like indulging in junk food. It’s enjoyable in the moment, but if it becomes the norm, we all end up feeling cranky and sluggish. Our household thrives on a certain amount of routine.
After navigating the balance between fun and structure over several summers, I know this one won’t be flawless—in fact, it’s bound to be wonderfully chaotic. However, I’ve gathered some sanity-saving strategies from wise friends and my own experiences:
Go All In or Not at All
I’m inspired by the approach of my friend, Emily, who gives her children her full attention during family time and then switches to focused work without interruptions. She sets clear boundaries, ensuring that her kids understand when she’s available for play and when she needs to concentrate. This method fosters a sense of independence in her children while also making them feel valued during their quality time together.
I’m working on this balance myself. Even if I’m simply tidying up or taking a quick shower, I remind myself and my kids that they can wait. “Let me finish this, and then I’ll be right with you.” They can manage without me for a bit, and it ultimately benefits us all.
Reach Out to Neighbors
Today’s summer playdates don’t resemble the carefree neighborhood roaming of our childhood. Many kids are in camps or closely supervised, making it harder to simply send them outside. I’ve teamed up with my neighbors to change that. We exchange cellphone numbers and text each other with invites, like “Kids are having a blast in the sprinkler, feel free to join!” or “Sending my kid out, who’s available for play?” This not only gets our kids outdoors more but has also strengthened our community ties.
Create a Loose Structure
A friend of mine who works full-time has her kids collaborate with their babysitter at the start of summer to create a list of activities, blending budget-friendly options with a few splurges. I also do this, which helps set expectations and establishes a bit of structure for our days.
In addition to a fun activity list, a little daily organization can work wonders. The question “What should we do today?” can lead to hours of indecision. Some weeks, we have morning camps for the kids, no screens until afternoon, and scheduled swim time or evening baseball games. Whatever the plan, having a general idea of the day’s flow is reassuring for everyone involved.
Lean into the Summer Vibes
While a bit of structure is beneficial, we must remember that it’s summer vacation. It’s a time to embrace a different pace than the school year. Don’t be afraid to ease up on formal activities, like those math workbooks. As parents, we can also adapt our schedules, maybe even taking that much-deserved vacation time we’ve been putting off.
Amid the quest for sanity through routine, it’s essential to appreciate the magic of summer—the warm evenings, flickering fireflies, and the simplicity of summer attire. I’m aware that these moments are fleeting, and each summer marks a step closer to my kids becoming independent adults.
When sibling squabbles erupt or wet towels litter the floor, it’s easy to overlook the joy of lazy walks in nature or creekside adventures. Now is the time to toss out the “shoulds” and enjoy ice cream for lunch. It’s the perfect season for bubble-blowing, picnicking in swimsuits, and soaking up the twilight glow.
This summer is a gift, and it’s ours to cherish. September will arrive soon enough, along with all the future Septembers.
Summary
As summer approaches, parents can juggle work and family time by adopting strategies that foster both fun and structure. Approaches like giving focused attention to kids, collaborating with neighbors for playdates, and maintaining a loose daily structure can help ensure a smoother summer. While routines are beneficial, it’s important to embrace the unique joys of summer, allowing for spontaneity and cherished memories.